Integrated Ball Marker and Club Grip

ABSTRACT

This present disclosure relates to an accessory for use during a round of golf. More particularly, the instant invention is an integrated mounting system in which a ball marker can be mounted on a golf club so that it is readily and easily available when needed, but such that the presence of the ball marker on the golf club will not interfere with the golfer&#39;s performance or that of the golf club. In one embodiment, the ball marker is mounted to the grip of the golf club via a magnetic attachment means. In other embodiments, the attachment means may be mechanical in nature, or that of a friction or interference fit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/067,421, which was filed on Aug. 19, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of sporting equipment, and more particularly to accessories used in golf or other sports where a marker is needed to identify a spot or placement of a ball or other element. Specifically, the present invention relates to an integrated mounting system in which a ball marker can be mounted on a golf club so that it is readily and easily available when a marker is required, but does not otherwise interfere with the golfer's use of the golf club. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today, when playing a round or golf or practicing putting on a putting green, an individual golfer periodically needs to mark the position of his or her golf ball so that the ball does not interfere with another golfer's attempt to putt his or her ball toward the pin or hole. Typically, ball markers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and are commonly an accessory that a golfer places in his or her pocket, hat, golf bag, golf cart or the like. Alternatively, a caddy may provide a ball marker, or the golfer may use a coin, tee, or some other token not specifically designed as a ball marker to mark the position of his or her ball on a putting green. Each of these solutions requires the golfer to remember to pack a ball marker for his or her next outing, or to rely on something else or someone else to provide a marker in the event that they do not have a marker or other token to mark the position of their golf ball.

If the ball is left on the green when other golfers are playing on the same green, the other golfer(s) may suffer a penalty. More particularly, there is no penalty when a ball is played from off the putting green, such as when one chips or drives from the tee, fairway or sand trap and moves strikes another ball that is already on the green. However, during “stroke play”, when a ball is played or putted from the putting green and hits another ball on the same putting green, the person making the stroke incurs a penalty of two strokes.

Even with the assessment of the penalty, the ball that was already on the green and was struck may not be placed in the correct position when resuming play. This too can lead to a penalty situation. More particularly, the failure to replace the ball that was moved to its original spot, or moving the ball that did the striking (rather than playing it where it lies), will result in the loss of the hole in match play, or a 2-stroke penalty in stroke play. If the golfer wasn't certain where the ball at rest was before it was knocked away by the colliding ball, the golfer must use his or her best judgment to return the ball to a spot nearest where it most likely was before being hit. As such, there is an advantage to the golfer to have a ball marker readily available to avoid any sort of penalty situation. In addition, a golfer may simply want to pick up his or her ball to remove any debris, such as grass clippings or other items that may be found on a course, so that the debris does not interfere with the putt. In that situation, the golfer must also use a ball marker so that the ball may be positioned back in the appropriate spot.

More specifically, the United States Golf Association publishes various rules relating to the use and placement of ball markers including, for example, Rules 20-1 and 22-2. Rule 20-1 states in part, that “[t]he position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball-marker, a small coin or other similar object immediately behind the ball.” The marked ball must then be replaced by the person who lifted the ball, the player, or the player's partner. No matter who marks or replaces the ball, however, the player playing the ball is responsible for any violation of the rules. Rule 22-2 of the United States Golf Association states that a player may ask his opponent to mark his ball if it “interferes either physically or mentally with his play.” Mental interference is not defined, so the marker doesn't have to be in a person's line or even within their eyesight to be upsetting, however, abuse of this rule can cause additional penalties.

In addition to marking balls on the green when another player is away, there are a variety of situations in which professional and amateur players who are following the official Rules of Golf are permitted to mark and lift their golf balls. For example, if a player is unsure if a ball is his or hers, he or she may mark and lift the ball for examination. By way of further example, if a ball is cut or otherwise damaged, the player may mark the ball and lift it, examine the damage, and replace the ball if it's unfit for play.

Additionally, on the green, a golfer may mark and lift the ball if he or she wants to clean it. Likewise, if play is suspended due to threatening weather, a player may mark his or her ball's position for when play resumes, and it is also oftentimes necessary in golf to mark your ball once it is on the green to allow players further away to putt. Having a personalized ball marker can assist the players once they return to the course after a storm to allow each player to accurately place his or her ball.

If players did not mark their golf balls, then other players might hit the ball with their own ball when they putt. Marking a golf ball on a green must be done properly and according to the rules of the game, or players can be subject to penalties. A player may mark his or her ball by placing a ball marker or a small coin, such as a dime, right behind where the ball lies on the green. The key phrase here is “right behind,” as it is not recommended to place the marker anywhere else, such as in front or to the side, to designate where the ball was, even though this is legal. Marking in front of the ball may alter the green in some way (e.g., forming an indent or repositioning of the grass), and is discouraged. The rule also states that a ball must be marked before it is lifted.

Accordingly, the use of ball markers is important to playing the game of golf and not having a usable marker can be disruptive, thereby causing the golfer to have to improvise a marker which could in fact be more disruptive to the golfer's play than having no marker at all. As such, there is a long felt need in the art for a golf ball marker that is conveniently located and easily accessible to the golfer when needed. There is also a long felt need in the art for a golf ball marker that may be removably attached to a golf club so that it is not forgotten, misplaced or left behind. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a golf ball marker and golf club combination, wherein the mounting of the golf ball marker on the golf club does not interfere with the performance of the golfer or the golf club. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an integrated ball marker and golf club grip that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and that is both safe and easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The present invention relates to a golfing accessory and more particularly to a ball marker that is integrated with a golf club grip to provide a marker that is readily accessible to a golfer, but that does not interfere with the golfer's performance or his or her use of the golf club. The invention includes an attachment element for removably connecting the ball marker to the golf club.

In one exemplary embodiment of the presently described invention, a golfing accessory is disclosed, and includes a ball marker that has a size and shape usable in accordance with the United States Golf Association's rules. The ball marker is made for use with a golf club comprised of a head, a shaft, and a grip, wherein the shaft is comprised of a first end connected to the head and a second end having the grip. The grip has an area sized and configured to receive the ball marker, such that the ball marker does not interfere with the golfer's use and/or handling of the grip or the golf club.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the presently described invention, a ball marker and golf club combination is disclosed. The ball marker and golf club combination includes a golf club having a shaft, a head and a grip, with the head being attached to one end of the shaft, and the grip position on the opposite end of the shaft from the head. The ball marker is sized and configured to mark a position of a golf ball during play in accordance with the United States Golf Association's rules, wherein the ball marker, when not in use, is positioned within an area of the grip and is removable from the grip for placement to show the position of the ball.

In a yet still further exemplary embodiment of the presently described invention a method of using an integrated ball marker is disclosed. The method includes the steps of initially providing a golf club, with the golf club having a shaft, a head and a grip. The head is attached to one end of the shaft, and the grip is attached to an opposite end of the shaft for enabling a golfer to securely handle the golf club. The method further comprises the steps of supplying a ball marker and creating a recess in the grip on the shaft to accommodate the ball marker when not in use. The ball marker is fitted, inserted or positioned within the recess, such that the ball marker is one of flush with a surface of the grip or below the surface of the grip. The recess may be sized and shaped to accommodate the ball marker snugly, or there may be room between the walls of the recess and the ball marker such that it is easier for the golfer to remove the ball marker from the grip. The ball marker may then be removed from the grip when needed, and placed on a playing surface to mark a position of a ball. The method may also include the step of customizing the ball marker to satisfy the needs and/or preferences of the user.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention nestled within the grip of a golf club in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of another potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention nestled within the grip of a golf club in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention being removed from the grip of a golf club in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention about to be nestled within the grip of a golf club in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5A illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention about to be attached to a magnet nestled within the grip of a golf club in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5B illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker is attached to the grip via a friction or interference fit;

FIG. 5C illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker is attached to the grip via a mechanical means;

FIG. 5D illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker is attached to the grip via a magnetic panel positioned on the opposite side of the grip; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method of using the integrated ball marker and golf club of the present invention and in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a golf club with an integrated ball marker, such that the golfer does not need to worry about having to bring or find a suitable ball marker with him or her as the accessory is always integrated with the club and available for use. More specifically, the invention uses an attachment element, one of magnetic, frictional or mechanical properties (or combinations thereof) to secure the ball marker to the grip of the golf club and to prevent the ball marker from falling out of the recess in the grip area. The unique structure of the invention also does not interfere with the performance of the golfer or the golf club.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 120 of the present invention nestled within the grip 110 of a golf club 100 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the golf club 100 itself is comprised of a head (not shown), a shaft 102 and a handle or grip 110. The head is positioned at a distal end of the shaft 102 (i.e., the end of the shaft 102 closest to the ball to be struck), and the grip is positioned at a proximal end 104 of the shaft 102 (i.e., the end of the shaft closest to the golfer).

The ball marker 120 is removably disposed in an opening 114 in the grip 110. The opening 114 is sized and configured to receive the ball marker 120, and removably retain the ball marker 114 until needed by the golfer. Because the ball marker 120 is positioned within the grip 110, where a golfer would otherwise handle the golf club 100, it is important that the placement of the ball marker 120 in the grip 110 does not interfere with the golfer's performance and/or the performance of the golf club 100. Accordingly, the opening 114 in the grip 110 should be of sufficient depth that the ball marker 120 does not extend or protrude beyond the outer surface of the grip 110.

Similarly, it is important that the golfer have easy and ready access to the ball marker 120 when needed. Accordingly, it is also equally important that the opening 114 in the grip 110 not be too deep so as to make it difficult for the golfer to remove the ball marker 120 from the grip 110 when needed, which would be both time consuming and frustrating. If round in shape, the ball marker 120 may have a size ranging from about 0.705 inches (17.91 millimeters) in diameter and 0.053 inches (1.35 mm) in thickness to about a diameter of 0.955 inches (24.26 mm) and a thickness of 0.069 inch (1.75 mm). In accordance with the above stated principles, the size and depth of the opening 114 should correspond thereto. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that other sizes and shapes of both the ball marker 120 and the corresponding opening 114 could also be used, provided that the ball marker 120 remains easily accessible by the golfer and does not interfere with his or her use of the golf club 100 and/or the performance of the golf club 100.

Additionally, the ball marker 120 may have a user customizable area 115, as best shown in FIG. 1. Customization may include the name of the individual's favorite golfer, the owner of the golf club 100, the name of the golf course or country club, different sports teams, or any other logo, design, indicia or other marketing theme. It is also contemplated that the ball marker 120 may further comprise an RFID chip 122 contained therein, such that the location of the ball marker 120 and/or the golf club 100 to which it is attached can easily be determined and retrieved if either is lost or misplaced.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of another potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 210 of the present invention nestled within the grip portion 220 of a golf club 200 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the golf club 200 is comprised of a shaft 202, a head portion (not shown) that is used to make contact with a golf ball during practice or play and that is positioned at a distal end of the shaft 202, and a handle or grip 220 which the golfer uses to handle and swing the golf club 200. The ball marker 210 is embedded into the grip 220, such that the ball marker 210 is positioned below a surface of the grip 220, even with the surface of the grip 220, or slightly above the surface of the grip 220. In any event, the individual may easily extract the ball marker 210 from the grip 220, and the presence of the ball marker 210 on the grip 220 does not interfere with the performance of the golfer and/or the golf club 200.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 320 of the present invention being removed from the grip portion 310 of a golf club 300 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the grip 310 may be removable from the shaft 302 of the golf club 300 so that the individual can create the recess 315 therein for receipt of the ball marker 320, and then place the grip 310 back on the distal end of the shaft 302. The ball marker 320 is then placed and stored in the recess 315 until needed. Accordingly, each of the ball marker 320 and recess 315 are suitably sized to create a snug fitting arrangement between the two. In one embodiment, a magnet 330 may be provided in the recess 315 to hold the ball marker 320 in position within the recess 315. In this embodiment, the ball marker 320 is made of metal to be attracted to the magnet 330. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that the ball marker 320 could be comprised of other suitable materials including paper, plastic, metal, alloys, or the like, and have the magnet 330 attached thereto, such that the magnet 330 is attracted to the metal surface of the shaft 302 in the recess 315, or that each of the recess 315 and the ball marker 320 could have corresponding magnets 330.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 420 of the present invention about to be nestled within the grip 410 of a golf club 400 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the golf club 400 includes a shaft 402, a grip portion 410 having a recess 415 therein, a magnet 430 disposed in the recess 415 of the grip 410, and the ball marker 420 exploded outwardly therefrom. The magnet 430 may be smaller than the shape of the recess 415, or may be equal to the size and shape of the recess 415. Likewise, the ball marker 420 may be of any suitable shape or design that fits snugly against the edges of the recess 415, or may be inset from the edges or side walls of the recess to facilitate easier removal of the ball marker 420 from the grip area 410. In any event, the placement of the ball marker 420 in the recess 415 in the grip 410 must not protrude outwardly therefrom, or otherwise interfere with the golfer's handling of the golf club 400, his or her performance, or the performance of the golf club 400.

FIG. 5A illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 530 of the present invention about to be attached to a magnet 520 nestled within a recess 540 in the grip 500 of a golf club in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker 530 is of a different geometric shape than previously described. Nonetheless, it should be understood that the ball marker 530 may take any suitable shape or configuration, whether geometric or fanciful.

FIG. 5B illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 550 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker 550 is attached to the grip 500 via a friction or interference fit with the walls of the recess 540. In this embodiment, the ball marker 550 has a plurality of different side walls or configurations to fit within the corresponding recess 540. Due to the increase in the number of walls, from for example a square, rectangle or circle, a more significant frictional engagement between the side walls of the recess 540 and the marker 550 is created.

FIG. 5C illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 560 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker 560 is attached to the grip 500 via a mechanical means. More specifically, the grip 500 has a snap element 575 positioned within a recess 570 in the grip 500. Likewise, the ball marker 560 has a corresponding snap 565 that engages with the snap element 575 in the recess 570 to hold the ball marker 560 in position in the grip area 500 until needed. Notwithstanding, the invention is no so limited and the mechanical means can also be any of a button, a hook and loop fastener, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 5D illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 580 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker 580 is attached to the grip 500 via a magnetic panel 585 positioned on the opposite side of the grip 500. In this embodiment, it is important that the magnetic panel 585 be strong enough to retain the ball marker 580 through the grip 500 and shaft positioned therein (not shown). It is also equally important that the magnetic panel 585 not protrude outwardly from the grip 500, or otherwise interfere with the golfer's handling of the golf club, his or her performance, or the performance of the golf club.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method of using the integrated ball marker and golf club of the present invention and in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, at step 600 a golf club is provided, and a ball marker is supplied at step 610. The ball marker may be customized at step 620, which may including any type of personalization, such as name, address, team, design, logo, indicia, theme or the like. At step 630, a recess is created in the grip area of the golf club, and the ball marker is fit, positioned, or otherwise inserted into the grip recess at step 640. The recess may be of any size, configuration or shape including, without limitation, a geometric shape, characters, themes, numbers, or the like. Nonetheless, it is important that the ball marker not protrude outwardly from the recess, or otherwise interfere with the golfer's handling of the golf club, his or her performance, or the performance of the golf club. During a round of golf, when the golfer is on the green, the ball marker is removed from the grip area at step 650, and placed in position to mark the ball location at step 660.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features, or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the various components of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of an improved mounting assembly for a ball marker as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes of components of mounting configurations are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golfing accessory comprising: a ball marker comprised of a size and a shape; a golf club comprised of a head, a shaft, and a grip, wherein the shaft is comprised of a proximal end and a distal end, and further wherein the head is attached to the distal end and the grip is attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and a recess formed in the grip, wherein the recess is configured to receive the size and the shape of the ball marker and retain the ball marker therein until needed by a user, and further wherein the ball marker does not protrude outwardly from the recess beyond an exterior surface of the grip when positioned in the recess.
 2. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the grip further comprises an attachment feature for retaining the ball marker in the recess.
 3. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 2, wherein the attachment feature is one of a magnet, a frictional fit, a mechanical connection, or a combination thereof.
 4. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 3, wherein the mechanical connection is one of a button, a snap, a hook and loop fastener or a combination thereof.
 5. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 3, wherein the frictional fit comprises the ball marker having an interlocking engagement with the recess.
 6. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 3, wherein the magnet is positioned in the recess of the grip and the ball marker is comprised of a metal.
 7. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 3, wherein the magnet is attached to the ball marker and a portion of the grip or the shaft is comprised of a metal that is attracted to the magnet.
 8. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 3, wherein the ball marker is positioned on a first end of the grip and the magnet is positioned on an opposite end of the grip.
 9. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the ball marker is further comprised of an RFID tag.
 10. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the ball marker is personalized with indicia.
 11. A ball marker and golf club combination comprising: a golf club having a shaft, a head and a grip, wherein the head is attached to a distal end of the shaft and the grip is attached to a proximal end of the shaft; and a ball marker having a size and shape for marking a position of a golf ball on a surface, wherein the ball marker is removably stored within a recess in the grip until needed to mark the position of the golf ball on the surface.
 12. The ball marker and golf club combination as recited in claim 11, wherein the grip comprises an attachment element for securing the ball marker within the recess of the grip.
 13. The ball marker and golf club combination as recited in claim 12, wherein attachment feature is one of a magnet, a frictional fit, a mechanical connection, or a combination thereof.
 14. The ball marker and golf club combination as recited in claim 11, wherein the ball marker does not extend outwardly from the recess beyond an exterior surface of the grip.
 15. The ball marker and golf club combination as recited in claim 12, wherein the magnet is positioned within the recess.
 16. The ball marker and golf club combination as recited in claim 12, wherein the magnet is attached to the ball marker, and further wherein the ball marker is comprised of a RFID tag.
 17. A method of using an integrated ball marker comprising the steps of: providing a golf club, wherein the golf club is comprised of a shaft, a head and a grip and the head is attached to one end of the shaft and the grip is attached to an opposite end of the shaft; supplying a ball marker; creating a recess in the grip; fitting the ball marker within the recess such that the ball marker is one of (a) flush with an exterior surface of the grip, or (b) below the exterior surface of the grip; removing the ball marker from the recess in the grip; and placing the ball marker on a playing surface to mark a position of a golf ball.
 18. The method of using an integrated ball marker feature as recited in claim 17, including a further step of customizing the ball marker after the step of supplying the ball marker.
 19. The method of using an integrated ball marker feature as recited in claim 17, including a further step of making an attachment element in the grip after the step of creating a recess in the grip.
 20. The method of using an integrated ball marker feature as recited in claim 19, wherein the attachment element is one of a magnet, a frictional fit, a mechanical attachment, or a combination thereof. 